rip current

noun

1. undertow ( def 1 ).

rip current

1. A strong, narrow surface current that flows rapidly away from the shore. Rip currents form when excess water that has accumulated along a shore due to wind and waves rushes back suddenly to deeper waters.
2. Also called rip tide

Word History and Origins

Origin of rip current¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Flooding from torrential rain and storm surges along with rip currents and marine accidents account for nearly 90% of those killed in hurricanes.

From BBC

But he said it was a "change in frequency of the waves plus the north-easterly wind which contributed to a rip current being quite so intense".

From BBC

A previous hearing was told a rip current tide had led to the deaths of the two youngsters, with eight other people needing treatment by paramedics on the day.

From BBC

"The decision to organise a recovery session in the water on Dias Beach was taken without considering the dangerousness of the site, in particular rip currents, waves and rocks," the FFR said.

From BBC

Authorities that day noted strong rip currents in the area and waves as high as 5 feet.

From Los Angeles Times